Odell Beckham Jr. was among the participants in this weekend’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic. He hopes that will not be the last event of his playing career. 
“Looking forward to hopefully getting an opportunity to play this year, and hopefully, this is kinda just a starting point,” the three-time Pro Bowl receiver said (video link via Kay Adams) when asked about his desire to return to the NFL in 2026.
Beckham made nine appearances in 2024 as a member of the Dolphins. Upon being waived, he did not catch on with another team to close out the campaign. This past season included a six-game PED suspension; upon serving it, Beckham once again did not sign with any team. The Super Bowl winner remains unsigned at this point, and he has not been linked to any suitors so far in free agency.
During his last full campaign, Beckham made 14 appearances with the Ravens in the regular season and another two in the playoffs in 2023. The former Giants star averaged a career-high 16.1 yards per catch during his lone Baltimore campaign, one in which he operated as a secondary option in the passing game. Regardless of where the 33-year-old lands in 2026 – if he works out a deal – he will be viewed as a depth member of his latest team’s passing attack.
The initial wave of free agency has come and gone, and as such many of the top players on the market have their new contracts in hand. The receiver position in particular still has a number of unanswered questions, however, with the likes of Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel still unsigned at this point. Trade rumors continue to swirl in the case of A.J. Brown as well, something which may remain the case well into the spring. Teams which come up short adding one of the veterans still available could see Beckham as a contingency option.
Beckham’s Ravens deal contained $15MM guaranteed; that figure fell to $3MM when he joined the Dolphins. Another low-cost investment is no doubt the only way he will set up an NFL comeback for 2026.
Why can’t NFL players just stay retired when they retire?
Money.
Fame as well. Don’t want to become nobodies.
He never retired, phone just not ringing. Like TY Hilton
I think one factor is it’s easier for some of these guys to imagine playing again when their bodies have had a year to rest and recover.
These poor guys never know what to do when the talent disappears. It’s sad to watch all these veteran players beg for positions when they haven’t been good in years.
If he’s good enough to make a 53 man roster I say good for him. It’s not my role to tell players if they should retire.
Did everyone see Burrow catching a pass and getting hit low in a flag game? Must make there Bengals ownership really happy!
I’m assuming this was broadcast by the Cartoon Network. Sufferin Succotash!…I didn’t know arty was a fan 🙂
link to instagram.com NO Joe got tagged on a catch. Watch the clip.
Other than a return to Dolphins, if they want to give Willis someone to target other than Atwell & Tolbert, I don’t see any teams that remotely make sense. The entertainment value from having to deal with Kevin Patulllo would be hilarious though 😂
Did he play with Monken in Baltimore!
If so, the Browns might try it again as their receiver room is not too good, at this moment…
NFL uninterested in resuming WR Odell Beckham Jr. career
Sign a veteran minimum and showcase what juice you got left. He could be WR3-4 for a few teams like Steelers, Falcons, Commanders, Jets
He tried being a wr3 for Fins, didn’t work out. He is not that guy anymore, injuries did zap him. He won’t accept a wr 4 or 5 mentor role.